Home Life in Colonial Days

"Home Life in Colonial Days" by Alice Morse Earle is a historical exploration of the everyday experiences and home environments of the first American colonists. It paints a vivid picture of their houses, furniture, and overall way of life in the colonial era, offering insights into the customs and practical challenges they faced. The book starts by examining the initial shelters the colonists created when they arrived in America, explaining how they adapted to the new environment. It describes how, despite plentiful natural resources, the early settlers often lived in caves or simple log cabins because they lacked the tools and supplies for more elaborate construction. The book also traces the development of colonial homes, detailing their design and the materials used, while comparing them to the dwellings of Native Americans, celebrating the colonists' resourcefulness and adaptability, paving the way for a more detailed examination of other aspects of colonial home life.